School Nurse Experiences and Changes to Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACT

School nurses have faced many professional challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus group interviews were employed as a data collection method in this qualitative study to describe the perspectives of school nurses during the pandemic. Themes relevant to school nurse experiences and suggestions for change were identified. School nurses have demonstrated their essential role in facilitating health for students, staff, and families. Policymakers and the public must recognize this value. School nurses are encouraged to leverage opportunities for visibility within and beyond their own communities to enhance recognition of their role. School nurses should also lead the development of additional resources such as web-based health content and practice guidelines. Providing school nurses with resources needed to support their practice is essential so that, in turn, students may be cared for.